The final countdown —

Windows 8 released to manufacturing with build 9200

MSDN, TechNet subscribers will get the software on August 15.

Windows 8 has reached its final development milestone. Build 9200 is complete and has been released to manufacturing, and Microsoft has published a full timetable for when people will be able to get their hands on it.

August 15: MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be the first to get access to the new software.

August 16: Software Assurance customers and Microsoft Partner Network members will get access to the operating system.

August 20: Microsoft Action Pack providers will be given Windows 8.

September 1: Volume license customers not using Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 licenses.

October 26: Retail copies of Windows 8 and PCs and tablets (including Microsoft's own Surface tablet) will go on sale.

The final version of Visual Studio 2012 will also be available from August 15.